Whether you are looking for history, unusual plant
life or recreation, Lincoln Trail State Park has something to interest you.
Located just west of Illinois Route 1, two miles south of Marshall in Clark
County, the area is named after the trail Abraham Lincoln's family followed
en route from Indiana to Illinois in 1831. Three Native American groups, the
Miami, Kickapoo and Mascouten, occupied the site before it was ceded to the
United States in the early 19th century.

Today, visitors to the 1,023-acre park can enjoy
the sights of an American Beech woods; wildflowers, including the unusual squaw-root
and beech drops; and recreational activities such as boating, camping, fishing,
hiking and winter sports. There is truly something for everyone.

Lincoln Trail Lake

The focal point of the park is Lincoln Trail Lake,
which covers 146 acres in the southwest corner of the park. With its numerous
fingers and more than seven miles of thickly wooded shoreline, it offers one
beautiful vista after another. Lincoln Trail Lake was the third lake created
in Illinois (1955-1956) using federal monies under the Dingell-Johnson Act.
The lake's maximum depth is 41 feet.

Lincoln Heritage Trail

Fifty years after Lincoln's death, the Illinois
General Assembly authorized the Illinois State Historical Library to mark the
exact route traveled by Abraham Lincoln from Kentucky through Indiana to Illinois.
Almost another 50 years passed before the 1,000-mile trail was opened in 1963.
With 3,000 markers showing the way, the trail winds through Kentucky, Indiana
and Illinois. The Lincoln Trail State Park is just west of the Trail, as it
follows Illinois Route 1. A few miles north of the park, the trail branches
off onto a county road heading west toward Clarksville.

History

Long before Abraham Lincoln passed through the
area, it was settled by Native Americans. Before the 18th century, the main
tribes in the area were the Piankeshaw and Wea, of a Miami group. In the early
1700s, the Kickapoo moved south from Wisconsin, pushing the Piankeshaw and Wea
south and east. The Kickapoos remained in control of the land until it was ceded
to the United States in two separate treaties.

The western boundary of the first cession is known
as the Old Indian Boundary Line or the One O'Clock Line. It runs through Clark
County, passing through the Lincoln Trail State Park near the boat dock and
crosses the campground. It is called the One O'Clock Line because it is said
that, if you look south from Pilot Grove in Vermillion county, the boundary
runs in the direction of the sun at one o'clock in the afternoon. The area west
of the original boundary was ceded by the Kickapoo in 1819.

The state acquired the first 31 acres of the park
in 1936. The park and lake were officially dedicated in 1958.

Plant Life

American Beech Woods, an Illinois Nature Preserve,
is an especially noteworthy part of the park. The deep ravines of the preserve
overflow with a beech-maple forest that is little changed from pioneer days.
Southern Illinois and the eastern border of the state are the only areas where
the American Beech grows in Illinois. It is a distinctive tree, with smooth
gray bark. If you're looking for something a little out of the ordinary, try
to find squaw-root and beech drops. These two wildflowers are unusual because
they lack chlorophyll.

Picnicking

The wooded shoreline is beautiful any time of the
year and is the perfect spot for a picnic. Several shaded areas are furnished
with tables, stoves, toilet facilities and water. Four shelters are also available,
one of which has electricity. Children will appreciate the playground equipment
at two of the larger picnic areas.

Camping

Two Class A campgrounds, Plainview and Lakeside,
offer something for every type of camper. For those who like the beautiful sights
and sounds of the great outdoors but prefer the amenities of home, both areas
offer electricity, showers, tables, fireblocks, playground equipment, water,
toilet facilities and a sanitary dumping station. For those who wish to be attuned
to nature without the distractions of modern conveniences, Lakeside Campground
also includes a Class C camping area for tents.

Organized adult or youth groups may wish to reserve
the group camping area in advance by calling the park office.

All campers must obtain camping permits before
entering the campground. Campground Reservations are accepted.

Boating

Take advantage of the opportunity or just enjoy
the view of the shoreline from the lake. The docking facility includes a launching
ramp and parking for boat trailers. Boat and seasonal dock rentals are available
at the concession stand. Outboard motors are limited to 10 horsepower, and Illinois
boating regulations must be observed.

Fishing

Largemouth bass, bluegill, redear, sunfish, crappie
and channel catfish abound at the lake and provide another source of enjoyment
for visitors. Special size and creel limits are in effect for some species,
so please check with the site superintendent's office for specific information
on fishing opportunities and regulations.

Concession Stand

A full-service concession stand is located near
the boat docks, offering a wide variety of refreshments and supplies, as well
as boat and dock rentals. A room on the upper floor may also be rented for banquet
dinners and meetings.

Hiking

You can enhance the pleasure of your stay at the
park by taking a short walk past the boat docks and campgrounds or a longer
hike that lets you experience the diversity of the site.

The Beech Tree Trail is just a half-mile long,
extending from the boat dock parking lot and concession stand, past the large
picnic shelter, and to Lakeside Campground. The trail includes a series of stairways
and foot bridges, which provide an excellent view of the beech maple forest
contained within the nature preserve.

For the adventurous, Sand Ford Nature Trail is
an opportunity to experience the park's habitat changes while enjoying a two-mile
hike through an oak-hickory forest.

Winter Sports

To truly experience the beauty of winter, try one
of the winter sports available at Lincoln Trail. Ice fishing and skating are
allowed when weather conditions permit, and six miles of roadway around the
lake are available for cross-country skiing when snow closes the roads to traffic.
These activities are at the visitors' own risk.

While groups of 25 or
more are welcome and encouraged to use the park's facilities, they are required
to register in advance with the site office to avoid crowding or scheduling
conflicts.

At least one responsible
adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.

Pets must be kept on
leashes at all times.

Actions by nature can
result in closed roads and other facilities. Please call ahead to the park
office before you make your trip.

We hope you enjoy your
stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints.

For more information
on tourism in Illinois, call the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity
Bureau of Tourism at 1-800-2Connect.